Illinois notebook: Two-quarterback system could help Illini

Sunday

While coach Ron Zook thought Juice Williams would start when the Illini host No. 9 Wisconsin next Saturday (11 a.m., ESPN), he also said Eddie McGee would likely receive some playing time.

This time, Illinois starting quarterback Juice Williams didn't have an injury when he was forced to the bench.

Coach Ron Zook just wanted to find a spark for an offense that bogged down in the second half, and freshman reserve quarterback Eddie McGee promptly supplied a 53-yard run in a 27-20 Big Ten Conference victory over No. 21 Penn State at Memorial Stadium Saturday.

While Zook thought Williams would start when the Illini host No. 9 Wisconsin next Saturday (11 a.m., ESPN), he also said McGee would likely receive some playing time.

"I'm not saying we're in a two-quarterback system,'' said Zook. "I'm not going to get into that stuff. There's a good chance we could see Eddie more. I feel good about the way Eddie comes in there.''

Zook worked under coach Steve Spurrier at Florida when the Gators often used two quarterbacks. Although he wouldn't commit to a two-quarterback platoon, it might work since both Williams and McGee can effectively run Illinois' spread option offense.

McGee has more speed. Williams has more power.

"Eddie can run,'' Zook said. "Once he got into the clear, he changed the field position.''

McGee first earned playing time in the season opener, when he passed for 257 yards against Missouri after Williams was knocked out of the game with a head injury.

Against Penn State, Illinois' made the switch when Williams appeared rattled and lost his mechanics. The final straw came on a third-down play when he threw a short pass into the turf. Williams was 11-for-24 passing for 120 yards and didn't complete a pass in five attempts in the second half. He threw two interceptions and one touchdown.

"That was a thing to settle Juice down more than anything,'' Zook said. "Juice missed a few balls. I'm not going to say he didn't.''

Williams wasn't worried about his starting spot.

"If the coaches decided to pull me, it's for the better,'' Williams said. "I'm here when Eddie struggles. He's there when I struggle. Everything happens for a reason in life. If it's not meant for me to start, I won't start.''

McGee didn't appear for postgame interviews. But expect him to play against Wisconsin.

What’s his vote

Zook has a vote in the USA Today coaches poll. After first saying he wouldn't vote for the Illini -- "We've got a long way to go,'' he said – Zook later admitted he would investigate the rest of Saturday's scores.

Illinois hasn't been ranked since the 2001 season, when the Illini took a No. 7 ranking into the Sugar Bowl after winning the Big Ten title outright.

Low point

Two years ago when Illinois lost by 53 points to Penn State on a Saturday night, cornerback Vontae Davis made an official recruiting visit. Davis committed to the Illini before he left town the next day.

"In the car the following day, he said, 'I KNOW I can play here,''' Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley said.

Notes

Benn's 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the first kickoff returned for a score by the Illini since Pierre Thomas returned one 99 yards against Western Michigan in 2004 … The sideline was filled with former Illini. Current NFL players Aaron Moorehead (Colts), Thomas (Saints) and Steve Weatherford (Saints). Other former Illini included Walter Young and Dana Howard. Vernon Davis, the 49ers tight end, came to see his younger brother, Vontae … Running back Rashard Mendenhall's 76 yards rushing gave him 1,470 for his career, putting him at No. 20 all-time at Illinois. He scored on a 2-yard run for his eighth touchdown of the season … Leman led the Illini with 10 tackles.

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. For more Illini coverage, see the Illini Talk blog at www.sj-r.com and www.pjstar.com.

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